Renewed appeal to catch killers

The family of a man shot dead in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity have spoken of their heartache as detectives continue to hunt his killers.

20-year-old Alexander Kareem was gunned down on Askew Road in Shepherd's Bush, in the early hours of Monday, 8 June 2020.

He’d popped into an off-licence and was on his way to a friend’s house on his e-scooter when he was shot and left for dead.

Police were called at around 00:40hrs to reports of man suffering gunshot injuries. Officers rushed to the scene, along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, where they found Alexander with catastrophic injuries.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene around 45 minutes later.

Two years on, detectives remain determined to catch those responsible for Alexander’s ruthless murder and are asking anyone who knows anything to come forward.

His devastated family has spoken of their overwhelming grief and says their agony is being prolonged as his killers continue to walk the streets.

Speaking on the anniversary on 8 June, Alex’s sister Khafi, said: “Today marked two years since my brother Alex was murdered in cold blood on the streets of London. It feels so wrong to commemorate this kind of anniversary; wedding anniversaries, birthdays etc. are things that should be celebrated and remembered, not a day of death. But two years on and still his murderers have not been found. This is not OKAY.

“It hurts me every day and is not getting any easier, I just find better ways to suppress my grief as times goes on, but every time it arises it is like a dagger to my chest afresh. It has made me so sensitive to any news of death, especially shootings like those in Owo, Ulvalde, and particularly news of young black boys dying needlessly. They trigger so much for me. So I was dreading today. And if I had it my way I would have buried my head in the sand and pretended this isn’t my reality.

“I had 3 brothers and now I only have 2. And the people responsible are still walking the streets. It makes me so, so angry. If you have any information on Alex’s death, it is not too late to speak up.”

On the night of Alexander’s murder, it is believed the assailants drove past him on Askew Road in a white Range Rover and shot him in a case of mistaken identity. The Range Rover was found burnt out just 25 minutes later three miles away on Ascott Avenue.

An investigation by the Met’s Specialist Crime Command has seen more than 20 officers involved and hours of CCTV pored over.

They are still keen to hear from anyone with information or who may have been in the area at the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, who leads the investigation, said: “It’s now been two years since Alexander was murdered in cold blood by these cowards. Nobody deserves what happened to Alexander and we won’t stop until we catch those responsible.

"Alexander was adored by his family, who miss him terribly each and every day, and their grief is made so much worse by the fact his killers still walk the streets. My heart goes out to them as they continue to live with unanswered questions and without knowing who is responsible for his death.

"There will be no stone unturned on this case. We may be two years on, but I can assure you that does not mean we slow down. If anything, we are more determined than ever to catch the people responsible and get justice for Alexander and his family.

"If you’re reading this and you know anything – anything at all – please come forward. It is not too late to do the right thing. You may think the information you hold is small or insignificant – tell us anyway. It could be the missing piece of a much bigger puzzle. Alexander did not deserve this and nor does his family. Nothing will ever heal the pain of losing him, but you can help bring them some small comfort by helping us catch those responsible.

“For his family’s sake, if you know anything about what happened to Alexander, please contact us or CrimeStoppers anonymously. Any information you give will be treated with the utmost confidence.”

Any witnesses or those with information, video or images that could assist police are asked to call 101 ref CAD 224/08Jun20

CrimeStoppers never ask your name and they cannot trace your call, your IP address or the device you use. Fill in their quick online form or call 0800 555 111.